Shape Layers are incredibly powerful and allow new possibilities in the field of 2D vector animation, but they got off to a bad start. For example, the tool is mixed in with the "Mask Tool". When People draw masks on their Solid Layer, they often create a new Shape layer by accident. The Shape Layer is reviled because of this.

There is a late adoption to Shape Layers. I believe the reason for this is the endless digging down through the Shape Layer's hierarchies. This makes accessing these powerful tools cumbersome and complex to use. (See 5.1 for the "Property Control" window)

Suggested updates to the "Shape Layer":

- Ability to turn off the collapse transformation on shape layers.- Ability to Replace "Shape Layers" by footage.- Add new default shapes like Square, Circle and Triangle to the "Library Panel".

Benefits:

- Cleaner project panel when the Solids folder is gone.- Bypass the "Solid Settings" window on creating a new "Solid Layer" with Command+Y.

Behavior:

• Command+Y to create a "Shape Layer"• Command+Option+Y to create a "Shape Layer" with the "Adjustment Layer Switch" on.• Command+Option+Shift+Y to create a "Shape Layer" with the "Null Layer Switch" on.